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Program Description

The Master of Library and Information Science degree is a program of basic professional education designed to prepare students for entry into positions in libraries and information centers in colleges, schools, communities, industries, and businesses.

Degree Requirements

For the Master of Library and Information Science degree, an approved program of at least 36 semester hours of graduate course work must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) overall. Required courses and the technology competency requirement are designed to provide students with an understanding of the information profession. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for graduation, each student will submit an electronic portfolio documenting learning and professional growth during the MLIS program.

Requirements: 

• SLIS 701
• SLIS 705
• SLIS 707
• SLIS 706 or the Competency Exemption Exam
• 24-27 hours of electives
• End-of-Program Portfolio

Students and their advisors will choose a minimum of 24-27 hours of elective courses. No more than six (6) hours can be below the 700-level and courses below the 600-level will not be accepted on the Program of Study. Elective courses in the School of Library and Information Science and other graduate departments may be used to develop a specialization in one or more areas or to provide a broad, general preparation for the information professions. A minimum of 24 graduate hours must be completed within the School. The remaining 12 hours may be taken in other related academic units of the University. Students have the option of transferring up to six semester hours of graduate course work from colleges or universities other than the University of South Carolina. Courses which will be more than six years old at the time the MLIS degree is awarded may not be included on the student’s Program of Study. No more than six semester hours may be earned in independent study credit.

Academic Progress

Students must present a grade point average of at least 3.0 (B average) on all courses taken in the program at the time of graduation. Students who earn a grade below B on more than six hours of course work or a grade of D, F, WF, or U in any course will not be allowed to continue in the program. Students who receive a grade below C in a course cannot apply the course toward graduation. Students who receive a grade of D+ or D in a required course (i.e., SLIS 701, 705, 707; the Technology Competency Requirement course, SLIS 706; joint program requirements; or NCATE requirements) must retake the course to attain a grade of at least C. Courses which will be more than six years old at the time the MLIS is awarded may not be included on the student’s Program of Study.

Additionally, Graduate School policy states that graduate students whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) drops below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation and allowed one calendar year to raise the GPA to at least 3.00. Students who do not reach a cumulative 3.00 GPA during this grace period will not be permitted to enroll for further graduate work.